These Adorable Chocolate Poodles Will Melt Your Heart & Sweeten Your Day. Inside the Trend of Brown Poodles
Poodles are one of the world’s most recognizable breeds and have been at the center of dozens of breed fads in the past few decades. Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, Sproodles, and almost any other Poodle mix you can imagine have been created, but most people agree that the OG purebred Poodle reigns supreme!
Poodles come in various sizes and tons of colors, but today we’re focusing on brown Poodles, also called chocolate Poodles for their gorgeous cocoa fur. Uniquely beautiful but with the same smart, cheerful, attentive personality as any other Poodle, the brown Poodle is about to become your favorite variation of this breed!
Meet 7 Chocolate Poodles from Instagram
Brown Poodles are as advertised and come in shades of brown ranging from deep rich chocolate to light, creamy mocha. Brown is considered a standard color for Poodles of all sizes and is recognized by international kennel clubs which allows brown Poodles to participate in dog shows and earn titles.
According to the Poodle breed standards described by the American Kennel Club, brown Poodles should also “have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes.” Because the gene responsible for producing brown fur also dilutes black pigment, true-brown dogs won’t have the typical black noses, eye-rims, etc.
To give you a better idea of what brown Poodles look like, we’ve rounded up seven adorable examples whose humans have generously shared their photos on Instagram.
1. YoYo
YoYo is a chocolate standard Poodle puppy from Connecticut who still has lots of growing to do, even though he’s already a big boy! YoYo lives a peaceful life with his mama in the country where they enjoy plenty of time in nature and a cozy home.
2. Simon
Handsome Simon is a brown medium Poodle—also called a Moyen Poodle, a size most commonly found in Europe, but grouped with the Standard Poodle in the US. A dog of many talents, Simon competes in agility, loves to play frisbee, and splits his time between life in Denmark and life in Sweden. He’s a jet setter and an athlete!
3. Bondi
Little Bondi is a chocolate toy Poodle who spent his puppyhood in Bondi Beach, Australia, but now lives in the USA! Now three years old, Bondi has a few shades of chocolate in his fur, but he has the quintessential liver-colored nose that is considered breed standard for brown Poodles.
4. Burberry Teddy
The merle gene isn’t naturally occurring in Poodles, so it’s unlikely you’ll ever find a true chocolate merle Poodle. The closest you might get is patterning like Burberry, here! She has the classic reddish chocolate-brown coat color mixed with patches and streaks of gray/silver that mimic the patchwork coloring of classic merle.
5. Tommy
Chocolate miniature Poodles are larger than toy Poodles, but not by much! Tommy here is a brown mini Poodle from Amsterdam and a fabulous example of this color, size, and breed of dog. Like a proper brown Poodle, Tommy has a liver-colored nose and lighter pigment around the eyes.
6. Koda
Miss Koda is a three-year-old chocolate mini Poodle from the UK whose humans take excellent care of her luxuriously fluffy coat! Poodle fur can be styled in lots of different ways, but Koda is often sporting a modern take on the classic Poodle cut.
7. Dobby & Luna
Some brown Poodle dogs are born with dark brown fur that lightens as they age. These two brown miniature Poodles—Dobby and Luna—are a great example of this. You can see the tips of their fur (especially around the ears) is a darker brown while the rest of their fur is a light cocoa color.
Brown Poodle Basic Info
If you’ve fallen in love with adorable fluffy chocolate Poodle puppies and are looking for a dog breed with superior intelligence, an energetic nature, and an even temperament, a brown Poodle might be your perfect companion! Of course, there’s a lot to know before you bring home your new cute dog and good friend, and this is a great place to get started. Let’s learn a little more about caring for a brown Poodle.
Brown Poodle Temperament
Poodles of all sizes are considered one of the world’s smartest dog breeds. Exceptionally fast learners who enjoy working with their humans on training and obedience, many Poodles make excellent service animals and working dogs doing complex tasks. Poodles are not only intelligent but also independent, a necessary trait for dogs who need to make split-second decisions—like service animals!
Affectionate, playful, and social, Poodles make excellent family dogs and are considered one of the best breeds for households with children. Of course, like any breed, Poodles should be supervised with small kids at all times. Though they love humans, some Poodles may not be as interested in other dogs or animals and can be prone to reactivity. Poodles were once used by duck hunters to retrieve game, and many retain a strong prey drive.
Poodles are energetic and athletic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. Because of their intellect, some Poodles can be prone to boredom and may become destructive or display signs of separation anxiety as a result. As the owner of a smart dog, it’s very important to enrich their minds as much as their bodies.
Brown Poodle Size
There are three accepted Poodle sizes recognized in the United States and by the American Kennel Club, and brown Poodles come in all three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Standard Poodles are large dogs, sometimes topping 70+ pounds. Miniature and Toy Poodles are significantly smaller but retain the same core qualities and signature look of the standard Poodle.
| Poodle Size Chart | |||
| Standard Poodle | Miniature Poodle | Toy Poodle | |
| Height | 15+ inches | 15 inches or less | 10 inches or less |
| Weight | 40–70 pounds | 10–15 pounds | 5–10 pounds |
Brown Poodle Health
Brown fur and the gene responsible for producing brown fur are not associated with any known health problems, but brown Poodles are still susceptible to the same issues as other purebred Poodles. Standard chocolate Poodles are more likely to suffer from issues like bloat whereas miniature and toy Poodles are more likely to develop joint issues. Regardless of the size or color of your Poodle, it’s still a good idea to get acquainted with the various health issues your dog could face during its lifetime.
Some common health issues found in Poodles include:
- Joint issues (e.g. luxating patellas, hip and elbow dysplasia)
- Eye and vision problems (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy)
- Von Willebrand disease (a clotting disorder)
- Bloat
Where To Find a Chocolate Poodle Puppy
Whether you are looking for standard, miniature, or toy Poodle puppies, it’s important to always buy purebred dogs from ethical breeders. Never purchase a puppy from a pet store, and be certain to consult with other Poodle owners about their experience with breeders before you buy. A good place to start finding ethical breeders is the American Kennel Club breeder marketplace.
Remember, buying from a breeder isn’t the only way to own a brown Poodle! Pet adoption is a fantastic way to find your new best friend, and there are breed-specific rescues specializing in Poodles and Poodle mixes that need new homes. (see our list below). Both more affordable and the best way to help reduce the homeless pet population, we highly recommend considering adoption over buying a puppy from a breeder.
Chocolate Poodle FAQ
Did we miss an important detail about life with a brown Poodle? We’re tying up loose ends here by answering some of the internet’s most pressing and commonly asked questions about the chocolate Poodle dog.
Do brown Poodles shed?
Very little! Poodles are one of the lowest-shedding breeds and drop virtually no fur around your home. While they don’t shed, their fur is still very high-maintenance and requires almost daily attention for proper maintenance.
Are brown Poodles hypoallergenic?
No. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. This said, low-shedding dogs like the Poodle are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people who are specifically allergic to dog dander.
Do brown Poodles need to go to the groomer?
Yes! Poodles need regular visits to the groomer—every 6–8 weeks—plus regular brushing and home maintenance between professional grooms. The Poodle’s coat is no joke and can quickly become matted which not only looks bad but can be painful for your pup.
How much do brown standard Poodles cost?
Prices for standard Poodles from ethical breeders start around $600–$1,000 and can go as high as $2,000–$5,000.
Are chocolate Poodles rare?
No. The gene that dilutes black pigmentation in dogs turning it to brown is a dominant gene, which means it is relatively easy to produce brown Poodles.
What color eyes do chocolate Poodles have?
The most common eye color for chocolate Poodles is light brown/amber to dark brown.
How long do chocolate Poodles live?
The average lifespan for a standard Poodle is around 12–15 years. Miniature and toy Poodles are slightly longer lived with a life expectancy of around 12–18 years.
Related Articles:
- Why Get a Doodle When You Could Get a Poodle Instead?
- 6 Best Dog Foods For Poodles That Even The Pickiest of Them Will Love
- Unraveling the Mystery: Why Does My Poodle Have Straight Hair?
- The Party Starts with Parti Poodles: A Colorful Twist on a Classic Breed
Poodle Rescue Groups by State
Arizona
- Arizona Poodle Rescue – A non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of Standard Poodles and Standard Poodle mixes in need.
California
- NorCal Poodle Rescue – Serving Northern California, this non-profit, all-volunteer organization focuses on rescuing and re-homing poodles and poodle mixes.
- Poodles and Pals – A small non-profit organization based in Southern California, dedicated to rescuing and re-homing poodles and poodle mixes.
- California Doodle Rescue – A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues, fosters, and finds forever homes for poodle mixed breeds.
- Standard Poodle Club and Rescue of the Desert and Greater Palm Springs – This club also functions as a rescue for standard poodles in the Palm Springs area.
- Bay Area Poodle Rescue – A nonprofit rescue organization located in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on poodles in Northern California.
Connecticut
- Poodle Rescue Connecticut – Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of poodles and poodle mixes in Connecticut.
- Poodle Rescue of New England – While based in New England, they serve the Connecticut area and focus on rescuing and rehoming poodles.
- Florida
- Florida Poodle Rescue – Dedicated to poodles, they rescue, foster, rehabilitate, and permanently place poodles in caring adopted homes.
- Poodle and Pooch Rescue – A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that puts dogs first, including poodles, and your donation will directly help save lives.
- Coastal Poodle Rescue – Rehabilitates unwanted, abused, and abandoned poodles and then places them in loving and responsible homes in Florida.
- VIP Rescue of Central Florida – A small breed dog rescue in Orlando, which includes poodles among the breeds they help.
- Florida Little Dog Rescue Group – While they rehabilitate various small breeds, they also rescue poodles.
- Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc. – They have a network of poodle rescues across the United States, including Florida.
Georgia
- Georgia Poodle Rescue – A non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing poodles in Georgia, providing veterinary care, and finding them permanent homes.
- Poodle Rescue of North Georgia – Although a specific website was not listed, they may have a presence on pet adoption platforms or social media.
New York
- Carolina Poodle Rescue – While primarily based in the Carolinas, they also serve the New York area.
- Eve’s Sanctuary – Animal Rescue – Based in New York, NY, they have poodles available for adoption.
- Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue – A non-profit organization that serves the Mid-Atlantic region, including New York.
- Posh Pets Rescue – This New York-based organization rescues various breeds, including poodles.
- Poodle Rescue of New England – Serving New England states, they also cover New York for poodle rescue and adoption.
- Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc. – They have a network of poodle rescues across the United States, including New York.
- Waggytail Rescue – An NYC-based organization that rescues small breeds, including poodles.
Virginia
- For the Love of Poodles Rescue of Richmond, VA – A Richmond-based rescue focusing on poodles and other small dogs.
- Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue – Serving the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, dedicated to rescuing poodles of all sizes.
- Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue – Located in Fairfax, VA, this rescue focuses on poodles and finding them permanent homes.
- Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc. – While not a rescue group per se, they provide contact information for poodle rescue groups across the country, including Virginia.
The Carolinas
Carolina Poodle Rescue: This rescue operates in both North Carolina and South Carolina and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of poodles and poodle mixes. They offer a variety of dogs for adoption, including those in permanent sanctuary.
National
- Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc.
- Contact Information for Poodle Rescue Groups: poodleclubofamericarescuefoundationinc.org
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